The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and other key response agencies, successfully conducted a Full-Scale Simulation exercise at the Hewanorra International Airport on October 14, 2022.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates that an airport must conduct a simulation exercise every two years to test and evaluate the response and recovery capability of the Airport Authority and response agencies. A simulation seeks to mimic an actual emergency to which a described or simulated response is initiated.

Acting Director of Airports, Ms. Amy Charles, explained that the simulation examines our Airport Response Procedures and tests SLASPA’s Crisis Communication Plan and our emergency response readiness during an incident.

Director of the exercise, Mr. Ausbert Regis says the simulation emphasized the assessment of three pertinent areas of response; the time and quality of response and the agencies’ readiness to deploy personnel and resources.

Deputy Chief of Port Police martin President said he was satisfied with the response from his team and other participating agencies.

Participating agencies included; Air Traffic Services, the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (AAFF), the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), the Ports Police department, the Customs and Excise Department, the St. Jude’s Hospital, Airline Representatives and Airport employees.

  Caribbean, Saint Lucia, St Lucia